The Apple TV+ seriesSeverancehas become one of the most popular and acclaimed productions in Ben Stiller’s filmography. The hit sci-fi drama series was created by writer Dan Erickson, so most general audiences don’t know Stiller is involved. However, Stiller has long been a major driving force in the acclaimed show’s production, both creatively and financially.
Stiller had been a part ofSeverance’s journey from script to screen since getting hold of Erickson’s story. Stiller helped assemble thecast ofSeverance. He also served as one of the directors of the series, continuing to guide the series in the making of theepisodes inSeveranceseason 2. All in all, Stiller has been an incredibly vital figure in getting the series off the ground long beforeSeveranceseason 2, as his company, connections, and creative skills helped make it a pop culture juggernaut.
Ben Stiller’s Production Company Is Behind Severance
Ben Stiller Helped Make The Severance Pilot Into A Series
Severancewent on its way to becoming the TV phenomenon it is today after Stiller was given a copy of Erickson’s script years prior. In an interview withEntertainment Weekly,Stiller revealed that Erickson submitted hisSeverancepilot script to his production company, Red Hour Productions:
“It was supposed to be a writing sample, but I read it and was like, “This is great. Is anybody trying to make this?” It just immediately jumped off the page to me in terms of Dan’s style and his tone, and I thought it was a great pilot.”
Stiller first read the script at least five years before the series premiered in 2022.Impressed with howSeverancereflected the workplace comedies released years prior with its own unique story, Stiller chose to make the pilot into a series, putting together a writer’s room and creating scripts for the show’s first season.
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Likewise, Stiller broughtAdam Scott toSeverance, helping him gain the role of the lead protagonist, Mark. Having worked together on 2013’sThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty,Stiller connected with Scott and offered him a role in the series. Before starring inSeverance, Scott was known for playing straight-faced characters in several comedy shows and films, most notably Ben Wyatt onParks and Recreation.
Ben Stiller Is A Primary Director Of Severance Episodes
Ben Stiller Directed Many Episodes In Seasons 1 And 2 Of Severance
Along with being an executive producer on the show,Stiller has served as a prominent director of episodes inSeverance’s first two seasons. Originally, Stiller was only supposed to direct the pilot episode ofSeverance, but he chose to direct many more episodes later on. He would eventually direct half of the ten episodes inSeveranceseason 2.
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Having directed big-budget films likeThe Cable Guy,Zoolander, andTropic Thunder, Stiller was well-equipped to helm the production of severalSeveranceepisodes. With a whopping 11 episodes under his belt, Stiller remains the most recurring director onSeveranceso far. Though this is an incredible achievement, it is worth acknowledging that Erickson has remained the primary creative force as the showrunner ofSeverance.
Ben Stiller Voices Kier Eagan In Severance
Ben Stiller Sneaked In A Clever Cameo As Lumon’s Founder
As an EP and a recurring director onSeverance, Stiller was able to squeeze in a small acting role for himself at one point in the series. Though his role is uncredited,Stiller portrayed the founder of Lumon Industries, Kier Eagan. Though the character doesn’t appear in the flesh, Stiller provides Kier’s voice when the latter appears in an animated video inSeveranceseason 1, episode 8.
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In said episode, Kier appears on Helly’s computer screen after she reaches 100% on her data refinement file, congratulating her for her efforts. Kier even says he loves her,which seems to foreshadow the twist inSeverancethat she is really Helena Eagan, a descendant of Kier’s and the daughter of Lumon’s current CEO, Jame Eagan. It’s a fitting cameo for Stiller, given that Kier created Lumon and the former helped createSeverancefor Apple TV+.
Though Ben Stiller wasn’t the one who createdSeverance, he was, without a doubt, a great contributor to making it the television phenomenon it is today. Having truly believed in Erickson and his script,Stiller provided all the resources needed to bring this ambitious story to life, and his skills as a filmmaker made him a guiding force in the show’s production. His work onSeverancejust displays his variety of talents beyond being the comedic actor who rose up in Hollywood in the past few decades. But it was only with Stiller and Erickson’s combined efforts that they were able to make a sci-fi sensation.
